Wild adds top scorer from Finnish Elite League

The Wild added one of the top forwards in Finland's elite league, free agent Michael Keranen, by signing him to a one-year, two-way contract.

He'll have a chance to make the team next season. If he doesn't make the team, he'll likely be loaned back to HIFK rather than play in Iowa.

Keranen, 24, had 17 goals and 35 assists for Ilves Tampere in Finland's Elite League. The 6-1, 175-pounder tied for the Elite League lead in scoring with 52 points and won the Golden Helmet Award as the league's best player. Keranen had 13 goals in 2012-13 for Ilves, a team he has played for during the past four seasons. He's a left-handed shooter who has not been drafted by NHL teams.

Keranen was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but grew up in Finland and has represented Finland in international events.

“We are excited to get Michael under contract for next season,” said Wild GM Chuck Fletcher in a news release. “He had a very good year in Finland and our scouting staff thinks he is ready for the challenge of coming to North America. We are happy to add him to our lists of prospects and look forward to seeing how he performs in training camp.”